A Beginner’s Guide To Gin: Styles, Flavors & How To Choose The Right One

Trying Gin for the first time? Well, then, get ready to fall in love with a spirit that is super versatile in nature. It is a world of wonder that awaits your exploration! But with so many flavors, styles, and endless possibilities, it can be difficult to understand where to begin. But do not worry, because unsobered has got you covered! Welcome to Gin 101, your ultimate beginner’s guide to gin! 

Types Of Gin

London Dry Gin

This is the classic, simple, and most famous style of gin. It has no added sugar or sweeteners, and strongly features juniper with citrusy and spicy notes. Its taste is crisp, refreshing, and slightly sharp. 

Old Tom Gin

This gin style originates from the 18th century and is known for its sweetness. It is distinguished by the addition of a small amount of sugar, which helps bridge the gap between dry and sweet gin varieties. With its richer flavors and hints of caramel and spice, this style of gin has slightly dessert-like qualities.

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New Western/ Contemporary Gin

These gins focus more on botanicals like hibiscus, cardamom, and more, other than juniper, which creates diverse and bold flavor profiles. This style suits people looking to experiment beyond traditional gin taste with a sometimes bit bold flavor..

Plymouth Gin

Plymouth Gin is smoother and sweeter than London Dry Gin. The taste balances juniper with botanical flavors like coriander and cardamom that are more earthy. This gin style is more rounded, making it an easier choice for those who want a softer taste.

Navy Strength Gin

As the name suggests, this high-alcohol gin was originally launched for the British Navy. The flavor is hence more concentrated and stronger, which makes it bold and punchy. If you want your alcohol to have a strong gin flavor, this can be your choice. 

Genever

This is an older Dutch-style gin with a maltier, fuller taste, thanks to malt wine. It tastes more like whiskey with juniper hints and is heavier and earthier. It is enjoyed both neat and in traditional cocktails.

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Flavors of Gin

Gin flavors are incredibly diverse and are primarily influenced by the botanicals used in their production. The base of gin has a distinct, piney, and resinous taste, which comes from juniper berries. These berries provide a signature fresh and slightly peppery flavor.

In addition to juniper berries, many gins incorporate zesty citrus notes from botanicals such as lemon, lime, and orange peel. Some gins also feature a spicy and subtly earthy depth due to the inclusion of spices like coriander, cinnamon, and cardamom. Many gins offer herbal notes from ingredients like rosemary, mint, or thyme, which contribute to a fresh, garden-like aroma.

Moreover, some gins include fruity and floral accents. Floral botanicals such as lavender, rose, or elderflower add a delicate perfume and softness. At the same time, fruity components may feature stone fruits or even tropical fruits, infusing sweetness that complements the base flavors.

The combination of these diverse flavor profiles results in a wide range of gins, from robust to light, making this spirit suitable for various cocktail styles and personal tastes.

How To Choose The Right Gin

Firstly, consider the style of gin to know what suits your taste. If you are new, try starting with London Dry Gin, which is smoother and milder. You can try Old Tom Gin or Plymouth Gin for a slightly sweeter and smoother option. 

For people who would like to experiment or prefer a floral taste, they can go for Contemporary gins that have botanicals like lavender, cucumber, and so on. Navy Strength gin would be perfect for those who like a bolder and stronger alcohol presence in their drinks. 

The next step would be to know how you want to enjoy the gin. Know what each mixer or flavor of cocktail has to offer before deciding on one.  Make sure you check the botanicals list well to explore any specific flavors in your mind, like spicy, heavy, citrusy, floral, or herbal. 

It's a good idea to start with smaller tastings to find what excites and suits your palate more. Lastly, don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations at liquor stores or mixologists, or bartenders to discover your favorite combination.

Summing Up

With this guide to gin, giving you a lowdown on flavors, styles, and how to choose the right gin, you are all set for your journey of delight and discovery!